S1deband1t
Member
Just picked up a Realistic TRC-217 handheld CB Radio for $5 at a flea market. Mint condition except for the antenna. The last 2 segments were broken off. It was a center loaded telescoping antenna about 42" or so. I had some spare antenna segments laying around so I opened the damaged section with needle nose pliers and attached the top 2 segments. Then I simply crimped them together with pliers.
The results were AMAZING! Way better than I would have thought. Also way better than any hand held I have ever owned. With the antenna fixed, the full 42" length + the center load I guess would make it a 1/4 wavelength antenna. Don't listen to what anyone says. There are still some quality handhelds out there (and usually the older ones are better than the new cheapies).
My first key up was IN MY HOUSE with the newly fixed antenna fully extended. I got a local contact 0.9 miles away with a 9# signal. I heard him talking to another contact further up the road who I frequently talk too. He is 2.3 miles away. I stepped out onto my deck with the radio at face level and perpendicular to the ground and hit him with 5#. The radio itself is bigger than most and heavier too. But it is a quality radio and VERY much worth it (especially for $5).
I am curious to know if anyone else has a really good quality hand held because most ppl think they are all crap! I have owned GE's, Maxons and Midlands. This one easily stomps all. And the range is staggering (for a handheld). I can talk a mile away from INSIDE my house. This radio would also be good slightly more elevated to possibly get the range of a mobile for a SHTF scenario.
Just had to share the thought.
The results were AMAZING! Way better than I would have thought. Also way better than any hand held I have ever owned. With the antenna fixed, the full 42" length + the center load I guess would make it a 1/4 wavelength antenna. Don't listen to what anyone says. There are still some quality handhelds out there (and usually the older ones are better than the new cheapies).
My first key up was IN MY HOUSE with the newly fixed antenna fully extended. I got a local contact 0.9 miles away with a 9# signal. I heard him talking to another contact further up the road who I frequently talk too. He is 2.3 miles away. I stepped out onto my deck with the radio at face level and perpendicular to the ground and hit him with 5#. The radio itself is bigger than most and heavier too. But it is a quality radio and VERY much worth it (especially for $5).
I am curious to know if anyone else has a really good quality hand held because most ppl think they are all crap! I have owned GE's, Maxons and Midlands. This one easily stomps all. And the range is staggering (for a handheld). I can talk a mile away from INSIDE my house. This radio would also be good slightly more elevated to possibly get the range of a mobile for a SHTF scenario.
Just had to share the thought.
